The 6-7 Coloradan was the Astros' first-round pick in 1994 and he blossomed onto the major league scene in 1998 at age 22. He worked as both a reliever and starter during two division-winning seasons with Houston then reeled off a 17-win season during the disastrous 2000 campaign.

Elarton experienced arm trouble the next year and was traded to Colorado in a trade deadline deal for pitcher Pedro Astacio. In his four seasons as an Astro, he compiled a 32-21 record with three saves and a 4.82 ERA.

He has stayed in the majors for most of the decade, pitching for the Rockies, Indians and Royals but never recaptured the form that made him briefly dominant in Houston.